5 Best Tours Santiago De Cuba: The Hidden Gem Of Eastern Cuba (2024)
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Cuba, these 5 tours Santiago de Cuba will show you this city pulsing with history, culture, and sandy beaches. It is also surrounded by amazing natural beauty, with the majestic Sierra Maestra National Park a few hours away.
While traveling to Cuba for over five years, Santiago is one of the most interesting destinations I have explored. In my experience, joining a tour is a great way for solo travelers to explore off-the-beaten paths (especially in Cuba)!
Santiago is far more than just Havana’s distant cousin; it’s a destination that deserves to be on your bucket list even though it is a bit of distance to cover to get there from Havana.
Santiago de Cuba Tours
After traveling to Cuba for five years and visiting Santiago (by bus!) from Havana, here are the five tours that I believe will give you the best taste of the most interesting things to see and experience in Santiago.
Santiago is a bit smaller and quieter than Havana but still has quite a bit of vibe and sass to offer.
From revolutionary history to natural wonders, these experiences just might have you falling head over heels for Cuba’s sultry second city.
Not all of these tours are rated yet, but I chose to include them after having visited myself and studied the itineraries, and I believe these have great content you will be interested in. If you join any non-rated tours, please leave me a comment and let me know your experience!
So, are you ready to explore?
Cuban Revolution Tour
- Transport
- English guide
- Horse & carriage transport to Santa Ifigenia cemetery
The Cuba Revolution Tour of Santiago is calling for all history buffs fascinated by the revolutionary spirits.
This tour is like stepping into the pages of a history book, only from the Cuban perspective, which you will notice is somewhat different from the way we see the events from the outside.
On this tour, you’ll trace the footsteps of Fidel Castro and his comrades, visiting key sites of the revolution in town, as you might remember; Santiago is called the “birthplace of the Cuban Revolution”.
From the Moncada Barracks, where the first spark of revolution ignited in the early 50s, to the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where many of the late national heroes rest.
Your guide will bring the stories to life with tales of courage, sacrifice, and the occasional revolutionary romance.
By the end of this tour, you will definitely have a more nuanced view of the whys and hows of the background and events that took place up to and during the Cuban Revolution!
La Gran Piedra Excursion
- Duration 6 hours
- All transport included
- La Isabelica coffee plantation: lunch and Cuban coffee
- English guide
Travelers, prepare to have your breath taken away on this hike – and not just because of the altitude.
The La Gran Piedra tour takes you to one of Cuba’s most impressive natural wonders, a massive boulder perched atop the Sierra Maestra mountains.
As you find your way up surrounded by greenery, you’ll be treated to airy panoramic views that’ll make your heart skip a beat. The real showstopper, though, is the Gran Piedra itself.
The 1,225-ton Gran Piedra rock sits at 1,234 meters above sea level, which means you will be rewarded with stunning, infinite views when you reach the top!
After the hike, you will visit La Isabelica coffee farm for lunch and enjoy Cuban coffee’s strong, sweet taste.
EpicNomadLife Tip: wear comfy hiking shoes because you’ll need to climb 452 steps to reach the summit. But trust me, the view from the top is worth every sweaty step. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Jamaica!
Hike to the Commandancia de la Plata – Fidel Castros 50s Headquarter
If you like hiking, nature, and history, this is a great outing.
The old HQ where Fidel Castro and his resistance brothers used this location in Sierra Maestra to hide from the government in the 50s.
They all lived here for long periods of time, and planned their operations against the Batista regime from here.
After a short hike of about 30-40 minutes along a slightly muddy path, we arrived at this iconic location in the green mountains, where all the houses and hidden escape routes are still standing.
You can see Fidel Castro’s kitchen and bedroom (still with a mattress), and there is also a small museum on site that tells stories of what happened in this important period in Cuba.
I booked my hike to the Sierra Maestra in Santiago de Cuba from a local tour operator in a small office beside Parque Cespedes.
With a great guide and amazing weather, I had a wonderful and interesting hike to this remote and unique place.
If you prefer to book beforehand online, my favorite Cuba tour operator, Civitatis, does not have a trip here. The UK-based Journey Latin America does, so I suggest you check out their website and tour options and contact them if you have any questions.
Guided Tour of Santiago de Cuba
- Duration 2,5 – 3 hours
- Transport
- English speaking guide
- Lunch
- Mojito in Bodequita del Medio
- Optional: lunch for an extra fee
This guided tour of Santiago is your backstage pass to the city’s historic heart.
You’ll explore the streets in the historic center, soaking in the colonial architecture while the guide tells the stories etched into every weathered facade.
Highlights include seeing the oldest house in Cuba, the Diego Velázquez Museum, the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba, the Carnival Museum, The Bacardi Museum, Casa de la Trova (troubadour house), and the vibrant Céspedes Park.
But the real magic happens when you veer off the tourist trail.
Your local guide will introduce you to things you probably would not have found on your own – maybe a tiny café with the best coffee in town or a local artist’s studio tucked away in a colorful alley.
This is why I love doing the tours with the locals; they know all the small magic things! You can also extend this tour to include a lunch and a mojito at the Bodeguita del Medio (I had a great lunch there, so do recommend!).
This tour has no ratings yet.
Cimarrón Monument & El Cobre Sanctuary Tour
- Duration 4 hours
- Transport
- English speaking guide
Get ready for a double dose of awe-inspiring sights on this tour that combines two of Santiago’s most impressive attractions.
First up is the Cimarrón Monument, which is a powerful tribute to the enslaved people who fought for their freedom in Cuba (and the Caribbean) for centuries.
The sheer scale of this sculpture will probably leave you a little bit speechless, standing on the top of a green hill about 15 kilometers outside Santiago de Cuba.
The name cimarron means “runaway slave”, commemorating the 17th Century uprising by enslaved people working in the copper mines.
This is now one of the most important Santeria religious gatherings in July, the Afro-Cuban religion many Cubans still practice in their daily lives.
Next, you’ll head to the El Cobre Sanctuary, home to Cuba’s patron saint, the Virgin of Charity. Even if you’re not religious, the basilica’s stunning architecture and the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside make it worth the trip.
Plus, the story behind the Virgin’s miraculous appearance is the stuff of legends, colorfully told by your local guide for the day. Who doesn’t love a good miracle tale?
This tour has no ratings yet.
Budget: Free Tour Santiago de Cuba
Santiago’s free walking tour is proof that sometimes the best things in life really are free ( aside from the tip you’ll want to give your awesome guide at the end).
On this top-rated free walking tour Santiago de Cuba, you’ll hit all the main sights in the city center, from the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral to the lively Heredia Street.
But the real value is in the local insights you’ll gain.
Your guide will share his insider tips on where to find the best mojitos, which parks come alive when with impromptu rumba sessions, and how to spot the difference between a tourist trap and a true local gem.
Other Interesting Things To Do In Santiago De Cuba
Outside the organized tours, there are lots of other interesting sights and things to do in Santiago de Cuba you might want to put on your Santiago Itinerary.
Also read: 30+ Brilliant Things To Do In Santiago De Cuba
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this 17th-century fortress at the bay’s entrance to Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason.
Its impressive structure, walls, and strategic location offer a glimpse into Cuba’s pirate-fighting past (yes, there were pirates).
Plus, the sunset views from here are absolutely stunning. Definitely go here!
Casa de la Trova
Get ready to shake your hips, ladies! This legendary music venue is the beating heart of Santiago’s famous music scene.
Even if you’ve got two left feet, the Cuban rhythms and welcoming atmosphere will have you on the salsa floor in no time. Definitely taste the Ron Santiago de Cuba, a world-famous rum area!
The locals will ask you to dance the old-fashioned way regardless of your skills, and if you worry too much about those, take a salsa class!
Cementerio Santa Ifigenia
Don’t let the word “cemetery” worry you – this is no ordinary resting place. Santa Ifigenia is the grand final home of national heroes like José Martí and Fidel Castro, and the cemetery is vast and incredibly beautiful.
Fidel Castros tomb is surprisingly modest, actually, while the mausoleum over Jose Marti is quite remarkable.
The whole site is beautiful and tranquil, and you should take the time to see the changing of the guard ceremony at Martí’s mausoleum, which happens every 30 minutes every day.
It is a solemn ceremony with music that might move you a little bit.
Cuartel Moncada
The Cuartel Moncada is where history comes alive, a former military barracks that is now a museum dedicated to the start of the Cuban Revolution.
If you are not completely clear on the history, this is where Fidel Castro and his comrades launched a failed attack on the Batista regime in 1953.
This attack got Fidel a prison sentence at Isla de Juventud for a few years before he was acquitted before his time was up.
The bullet holes are still visible on the facade, serving as a stark reminder of the 1953 attack led by Fidel Castro, which left him even more determined to fight Batista after his prison time.
Calle Heredia
The center of Santiago de Cuba. Stroll down this pedestrian street for a taste of Santiago’s vibrant street life. See the colorful colonial buildings, occasional street performers, and local artisan markets.
Shopping in Cuba is unlike shopping anywhere else, which you will notice, so don’t expect any large malls or fancy brands here.
Instead, make sure you take in the ambiance of what life is like here and how lack is compensated with creativity and
Parque Céspedes
In the heart of Santiago, this bustling square is a great place for people-watching.
Grab a seat at a café, sip on a Cuban coffee, and watch the world go by Cuban-time. And don’t skip visiting the stunning cathedral that occupies a whole side of the park.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre
Just outside the city, this basilica dedicated to Cuba’s patron saint offers stunning views and a peek into Cuban religious traditions. The tiny statue of the Virgin here is said to have miraculous powers.
If you don’t already know, the Cuban Santeria religion is a blend of European Catholicism and African religions brought in by enslaved Africans in the 16th Century.
All the saints in the Catholic church live peacefully side by side with the santos in the Santeria religion; their “counterparts” in Santeria just have different names.
Plaza de la Revolucion
As in any place in Cuba, with some self-respect, there is a Plaza de la Revolución in Santiago, too.
Inaugurated as late as 1991, this plaza is open, vast, and has a striking monument intended to incite strength and power into whoever sees it.
There is a huge statue of the Cuban hero Antonio de la Caridad Maceo, and surrounding the statue are thick steel spikes symbolizing the determination of the Cuban people to gain independence.
Barracón del Cobre
For a sobering but important look at Cuba’s history, you should visit this former slave barracks now turned museum.
It’s a powerful reminder of the dark chapters of the centuries of colonial times when Cuba was at its height with coffee production and trade, and slaves were brought here from Africa.
Jardín de los Helechos
Need a break from the city buzz?
The beautiful Jardin de los Helechos garden is a peaceful oasis with over 350 species of ferns and tropical plants. It’s like stepping into a green, tranquil world.
Balcón de Velázquez
For the best views of Santiago, head to this viewpoint named after the city’s founder Velazques.
This house was built in the 16th Century, mainly to be a lookout for attacks from pirates and corsairs.
Not all the walls here are originals, but the restoration has made sure the new construction has integrated the original architectural style.
It is a lovely place to visit, not least because of the beautiful views from here, the panoramic view of both the bay and the Sierra Maestra mountains are truly breathtaking.
Places to Stay in Santiago de Cuba
If you are convinced by now that Santiago needs to be on your Cuba itinerary, you will need a place to stay.
My best advice is to choose a centrally located place close to Parque Cespedes. This will get you to the most interesting sights within walking distance. For the rest, you can easily hail a taxi.
There are a lot of casa particulares and hotels Santiago de Cuba that you can book online in this area.
NOTE: For US citizens, remember that you can not legally stay at a hotel or accommodation that is owned 50 % or more by the Cuban state, which is the case for most big hotels – but not all.
Check the Cuba Restriction List to see if the hotel you want is on it, and rest assured that most privately owned casa particulares are not on this list.
High-End: Meliá Santiago de Cuba
For those looking to splurge, the Meliá offers modern luxury with a dash of Cuban flair.
With multiple restaurants, a pool with city views, and top-notch service, it’s a perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
Budget Casa Particular: Casa Marta
Experience true Cuban hospitality at Casa Marta.
This charming casa particular offers clean, comfortable rooms and a chance to connect with local hosts. Marta’s homemade breakfasts are legendary!
Hostel: Roy’s Terrace Inn
Calling all social butterflies! Roy’s Terrace Inn is the place to be for budget-conscious travelers looking to meet fellow adventurers.
The rooftop terrace is perfect for swapping travel tales over a cold Cristal beer.
Also read: 6 Best Casa Particulares Santiago de Cuba From An Expert
FAQs
Is Santiago de Cuba worth visiting
I would say yes. If you are short on time visiting Cuba, I understand that it can be complicated to get both Havana and the western parts, and Santiago, into the itinerary.
I took the bus from Havana to Santiago and back (15-20 hours, depending on departure time), but there are also domestic flight options.
What airlines fly to Santiago de Cuba
- American Airlines (best for international travelers)
- Cubana
- Intercaribbean Airways
- SKYhigh Dominicana
Distance from Havana to Santiago de Cuba
The distance from Havana to Santiago de Cuba is 867 kilometers (539 miles).
Wrap-up: Santiago de Cuba Tours
There you have it, ladies – your ticket to the heart and soul of Santiago de Cuba.
From revolutionary history to salsa-fueled nights, from mountaintop wonders to hidden city gems, Santiago is a city that’ll capture your heart and ignite your spirit of adventure.
Santiago de Cuba offers an authentic slice of Cuban life, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. It’s perfect for those of you looking to dive deep into Cuban culture, and wake up ready to explore more of the region and across Cuba.
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